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root³

(rt, rt)

intr.v. root·ed, root·ing, roots

1. To give audible encouragement or applause to a contestant or team; cheer. See Synonyms at applaud.

2. To give moral support to someone; hope for a favorable outcome for someone: We'll be rooting for you when you take the exam.

[Possibly alteration of ROUT³.]

rooter n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

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